work + rock - sleep

Still recovering from a car wreck three days prior, and an unbelievably busy week, I worked up the energy to drag a buddy to Maximo Park late Friday night. I'd already put in a 12-hour day, but it's still hard for me to spend money on tix and not make it to the show.  After some Red Bulls and tequilla (not mixed together thankfully) we headed out to the El Rey.  We arrived at 11, missing both openers and the first couple songs in Maximo Park's set.

I wanted to like these guys; I really did. A Certain Trigger was a great album. Despite obvious similarities to The Futureheads, Franz Ferdinand, et al, somehow the album was fresh and had some surprises.

Maybe it was the sleep deprivation or the long week, but the show didn't hit me with any surprises. The new material was bland and even the familiar songs seemed tame. And while the keyboardist was on his game, there was little energy from the rest of the Park. The lead singer was active enough, but came across as awkward and overly dramatic. He's in desperate need of a guitar in his hands...

The sold-out crowd didn't seem to mind, but I left just as exhausted and drained as when I arrived.